NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- C.O. Brocato, an influential scout for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans for decades, passed away in Arlington, Texas, early Tuesday. He was 85.
The Titans named their draft room after Brocato in April. He taught dozens of scouts the technique for properly timing 40-yard dashes and was instrumental in the team's pick of quarterback Steve McNair third overall in 1995.
Brocato was with the franchise for 45 seasons and 599 games. He worked for the Houston Oilers from 1974 to '76, then circled back in 1981.
"It is a sad day for our organization, as we have lost a true icon and legend in C.O. Brocato," Titans executive vice president and general manager Ruston Webster said. "He left his imprint on everyone he met with his spirit, love of life, and devotion to both the Tennessee Titans organization and the game of football. So many of us have learned so much from him, and his lessons and principles will live on. C.O.'s dedication, eye for talent, knowledge of the game and ability to build relationships set him apart in the scouting profession, and we will never forget his impact on our organization. We send our thoughts and prayers to his daughter, Becky, and the rest of his family during this difficult time."
Brocato had battled cancer. In recent years, his failing health limited him to a role as a scouting consultant.
"I remember one of the first times I really got to know C.O.," Webster said in April. "We were in Nebraska and Tom Osborne was making a speech to us and this was about the time the juniors were coming out, so it was tense. He [Osborne] was real happy with us and the NFL in general. Tom was talking and C.O. was sitting in the front row and he slips out. He just leaves right in the middle of Tom's speech.
"I wouldn't say we were intimidated but we were trying to listen and do what we were supposed to do. I'm thinking, 'Where is he going?' The speech is over and we go to the bubble for the workout and C.O. has the hand and arms done, the height and weights, he's done the broad jump and he's done the vertical, and we missed it all. From then on, when C.O. left, I left. I followed him and he took me under his wing, and I'm always appreciative of that."
After graduating from Baylor, Brocato was the head football coach at Jesuit High School in North Louisiana from 1958 to '67. He capped his tenure by earning coach of the year honors in 1967, when he led his school to a 13-0 record in AA play.
In 1968, Brocato was named defensive coordinator at Northern Arizona, remaining at the Flagstaff school for three seasons. From 1971 to '74, he held a similar post at Texas-Arlington before joining the Oilers in a scouting capacity. From 1977 to '81, Brocato served as a scout for the United States Scouting Combine.
Brocato was placed on the preliminary list of nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame on three occasions (2005, '07 and '08).
Funeral arrangements are pending.